KR20140036844A - Image forming apparatus, host apparatus, server, and method for performing image forming job thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, a server, and a method for performing image forming job thereof. The image forming apparatus includes a memory; an interface module connected with the host apparatus and at least one image forming apparatus of a counterpart; an image forming module for printing image data received through the interface module; and a control module for controlling the image forming module to perform an image forming job by using image data if the image forming apparatus is in a normal mode and if the image data are input from the host apparatus, and for controlling the interface module to transmit the image data to the image forming apparatus of a counterpart in the normal mode so that the image forming apparatus of the counterpart in the normal mode can perform the image forming job if the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode and the image data are input from the host apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode can be prevented from being unnecessarily woken-up to an operating mode. [Reference numerals] (AA) Start; (BB) End; (S410) Input image data for image forming job.; (S420) Normal mode ?; (S430) Perform image forming job using image data.; (S440) Transmit image data to image forming apparatus of counterpart in normal mode.

Description

Image forming apparatus, host apparatus, server and method for performing image forming job

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, a server, and a method of performing a job thereof, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, a server, and a method of performing a job thereof.

The image forming apparatus is a device that generates, prints, receives, or transmits image data. As a representative example, a printer, a scanner, a copying machine, a fax machine, and a multifunction printer incorporating a plurality of functions thereof may be used.

In recent years, attempts have been made to reduce power consumption in a normal mode in which an image forming apparatus normally operates, and to reduce power consumption in a power saving mode in which the image forming apparatus does not perform a specific operation.

In particular, when an image forming job command is received from the host apparatus in the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus wakes up the configuration of the image forming apparatus (for example, printing unit, scan unit, etc.) while switching from the power saving mode to the operation mode. To consume a lot of power consumption.

However, even if there is an image forming apparatus operating in the normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected with the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode in which the image forming job command is received wakes up from the power saving mode and operates in the power saving mode. That is, a problem arises in that the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode is unnecessarily switched from the power saving mode to the normal mode, which consumes a lot of power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform an image forming job using another image forming apparatus in a normal mode when an image forming job is received in an image forming apparatus in a power saving mode, thereby making it unnecessary. An image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, a server, and a job performing method thereof, which can save power consumption by preventing the switching to the normal mode.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the storage unit; An interface unit connected to the host device and at least one other image forming apparatus; An image forming unit which prints image data received through the interface unit; And when the image data is input from the host apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in a normal mode, controlling the image forming unit to perform an image forming job using the image data, and when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode, the host apparatus. And a control unit which controls the interface unit to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode so that the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode can perform an image forming job when the image data is input from the image data.

When the image data is input from the host device when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, the controller analyzes information of other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit, and the other image meets a preset condition. The interface unit may be controlled to search for forming apparatuses and to transmit the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among the found other image forming apparatuses.

In addition, the condition may include at least one of a warm-up state, consumable use information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time.

The controller may be configured to check an operation waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode and to control the interface unit to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode when the working waiting amount is less than or equal to a threshold level. When the job waiting amount exceeds a threshold level, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus may be switched from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the image forming job may be performed using the image data.

The controller may further include another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network when the image data is input from the host apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode. Search for a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode, and check a working waiting amount of each of the other image forming apparatuses, and transmit the image data to another image forming apparatus having the minimum working waiting amount. You can control wealth.

When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, the controller searches for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. If the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is not searched, the image forming job may be performed using the image data by switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

The controller may be configured to meet other predetermined conditions stored in the storage unit among other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit when the image data is input to the host device when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode. Search the image forming apparatuses, and control the interface unit to transmit the image data to other image forming apparatuses operating in a normal mode among the found other image forming apparatuses, wherein the condition includes: user authentication status, user setting information, Device location, job performance capability.

When the power saving mode is configured with a plurality of power saving modes, the controller determines the type of power saving mode of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is inputted with the image data in the power saving mode state, and determines the current image. If it is determined that the power saving mode of the forming apparatus corresponds to a preset power saving mode, the other image forming apparatus is searched among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and the other image forming apparatus is the normal mode. The interface unit may be controlled to transmit the image data.

In addition, the operation of transmitting the image data to the other image forming apparatus which is the normal mode in the power saving mode may operate only when the predetermined mode of the power saving mode is entered.

The storage unit includes a first memory and a second memory, and the controller includes a main CPU operating in a normal mode using the first memory and a sub CPU operating in a power saving mode using the second memory. can do.

Also, a plurality of functional units for performing the image forming job; A power state detecting unit detecting a power supply state of the plurality of functional units; And a display unit, wherein the control unit determines the power supply state of the plurality of functional units through the power state detection unit, and generates and displays a UI for guiding the determined power supply state. You can control wealth.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a method of performing a job of the image forming apparatus, the step of receiving image data for performing the image forming job; A first performing step of performing an image forming job using the image data when the image forming apparatus is in a normal mode; And a second performing step of transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among the at least one other image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming job when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode. Include.

The performing of the second step may include analyzing information of other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit when the image data is input when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode; Searching for other image forming apparatuses that meet predetermined conditions according to the analysis result; And transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus that operates in a normal mode among other retrieved image forming apparatuses.

In addition, the condition may include at least one of a warm-up state, consumable use information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time.

The performing of the second step may include: checking an operation waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode when the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is found; And transmits the image data to another image forming apparatus that is the normal mode when the job waiting amount is lower than or equal to a threshold level, and sets the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the normal mode in the power saving mode when the job waiting amount exceeds a threshold level. Switching to, and performing the image forming job using the image data.

Further, in the second performing step, when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, when the image data is input, the other image forming apparatus is in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. Searching for; If a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode are found, checking a work waiting amount of each of the other image forming apparatuses; And selecting another image forming apparatus having a minimum working waiting amount and transmitting the image data.

The second performing may include searching for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus through a network; And switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus from the power saving mode to the normal mode if the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is not detected, and performing the image forming job using the image data. Can be.

Further, when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, when the image data is input, the second performing step satisfies a preset condition stored in the storage unit among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus. Searching for other image forming apparatuses; And transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among the searched other image forming apparatuses, wherein the condition includes a user authentication state, user setting information, device location, and job performing capability. It may include at least one.

When the power saving mode is configured with a plurality of power saving modes, the second performing step may include determining, by the image forming apparatus, a type of power saving mode of the image forming apparatus when the image data is input in the power saving mode state. step; If it is determined that the power saving mode of the current image forming apparatus corresponds to a preset power saving mode, searching for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus; And transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode.

Also, the performing of the second operation may be performed only when a preset power saving mode is entered among power saving modes of the image forming apparatus.

The first performing step may be performed by a main CPU operating using a first memory, and the second performing step may be performed by a sub CPU operating using a second memory.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the host device, the interface unit connected to the image forming apparatus operating in one of the normal mode and the power saving mode; An input unit for receiving a job execution command; When the job execution command is input, the mode of the image forming apparatus is checked to transmit image data to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is operating in the normal mode, and the image forming apparatus is operating in the power saving mode. And a control unit for transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in the surface normal mode.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the job performing method of the host device connected to the image forming apparatus, the method comprising: receiving image data for performing the image forming job; When the image forming apparatus is operating in a normal mode, transmitting the image data to the image forming apparatus; When the image forming apparatus is operating in a power saving mode, searching for another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the host device, and transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode. It includes;

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the server for performing the image forming job, the interface unit connected to at least one image forming apparatus and the host device; A storage unit which stores state information of the at least one image forming apparatus; When image data for performing an image forming job is input from the host apparatus, the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus of the host apparatus is determined based on the state information stored in the storage unit, and the operation of the default image forming apparatus is performed. When the mode is the normal mode, the image data is transmitted to the default image forming apparatus. When the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the image data is transmitted to another image apparatus operating in the normal mode. And a control unit controlling the interface unit to control the interface unit.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the job performing method of the server for performing the image forming job, the step of receiving image data for performing the image forming job from the host device; Determining an operation mode of a default image forming apparatus of the host apparatus; The image data is transmitted to the default image forming apparatus when the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the normal mode, and operates in the normal mode when the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the power saving mode. And transmitting the image data to an imaging device.

According to various embodiments of the present invention as described above, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode state from waking up unnecessarily to the operation mode.

1 illustrates an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a block diagram briefly showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a host device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for performing an image forming job by an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 illustrates an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 to 12 are sequence diagrams for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a UI for entering an external device transmission mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
15 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a host apparatus to perform an image forming job according to one embodiment of the present invention;
16 to 18 are sequence diagrams for describing a method of performing an image forming job according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
19 illustrates an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server for performing an image forming job, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
21 through 23 are sequence diagrams for describing a method of performing an image forming job, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
24 is a block diagram showing details of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and
26 to 29 are diagrams illustrating a UI for guiding a power supply state of an image forming apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described in detail with respect to the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes N image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N and M host apparatuses 200-1, 200-2,. , 200-M), and is connected to enable communication through the network 300.

Here, the network 300 may be implemented by a local area network (LAN), a router such as a hub (HUB), an internet network, or the like.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may be typically implemented as a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that implements a plurality of functions thereof through one device. The host device 200 may be implemented as various electronic devices such as a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a smart phone, a smart TV, and the like. In particular, the image forming system 10 may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100, but the host apparatus 200 may include at least one.

The host device 200 receives an image forming job command from the user. In this case, the image forming job may be one of various image forming jobs such as printing, copying, scanning, and faxing.

The host apparatus 200 generates image data in a format usable inside the image forming apparatus 200 according to the input image forming job command. At this time, the image data may include job commands and print data for the image forming job. The job command includes information on the type of image forming job, and the print data includes information on the image to be printed.

The host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the image forming apparatus 100 through the network 300. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 that receives the image data may be a default image forming apparatus (or a default printer) in the host apparatus 200.

When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the image data, the image forming apparatus 100 performs an image forming job in accordance with the operation mode.

Specifically, when image data is received from the host device 200 while the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal mode, the image forming apparatus 100 performs an image forming job using the image data.

However, when image data is input from the host device 200 while the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 searches for another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the network. do.

When there is another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among other image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode.

However, when there is another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among other image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus 100 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and performs the image forming job using the image data.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode in consideration of the work waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus. Specifically, even if there is another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among other image forming apparatuses, when the waiting amount of work of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode exceeds a preset value, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the operation mode to the power saving mode. In the normal mode, the image forming job is performed using the image data, and if the job waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is less than or equal to the preset value, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. Image data can be transferred.

As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives the image forming job request in the power saving mode, the image forming job may be performed using another image forming apparatus in the normal mode without switching the operation mode to the normal mode. Will be. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 may not perform an unnecessary wake-up operation, thereby saving power consumption.

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 receives an image forming job command from the host apparatus 200. However, this is only an example, and the image forming job is directly applied to the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. Commands can be entered.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 100 and the host apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an interface unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, and an image forming unit 160.

The interface unit 110 functions to communicate with at least one host device 200-1, 200-2,..., 200 -M and other image forming apparatuses. In this case, the interface unit 110 may be implemented by a USB interface, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a Bluetooth, a router such as a hub (HUB), an internet network, or the like. In addition, the interface unit 110 may be implemented as at least one module to communicate with a plurality of external devices.

In particular, the interface unit 110 may receive image data from the host apparatus 200, and may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus.

The controller 120 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by using a program stored in the storage 130. In particular, the controller 120 may operate in one of a normal mode and a power saving mode as an operation mode. In this case, the operation mode refers to an operation mode in which the image forming job 100 wakes up a unit (eg, an image forming unit, a scan unit, etc.) for performing the image forming job. The mode refers to an operation mode in which the image forming apparatus 100 cuts off or minimizes power supply of a unit performing an image forming job to minimize power consumed when the image forming apparatus does not perform any operation. In this case, the power saving mode may be divided into a plurality of power saving modes according to the type, power supply amount, standby time, etc. of the unit from which the power supply is cut off.

On the other hand, the controller 120 may perform the image forming job in a different method according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

Specifically, when image data is input from the host device 200 when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal mode, the controller 120 performs an image forming job through the image forming unit 160 using the input image data. can do.

However, when the image data is input from the host device 200 when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving mode, the control unit 120 searches for another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among the other image forming apparatuses, and forms another retrieved image. The interface unit 110 may be controlled to transmit image data to the device.

In this case, the controller 120 may broadcast the status confirmation message for confirming the mode and state of the other image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus to search for the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. Alternatively, the controller 120 may request information about the mode of the other image forming apparatus from the host device 200 and search for another image forming apparatus in the normal mode. Alternatively, the controller 120 may request information about a mode of another image forming apparatus from a server (not shown), and search for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode.

However, if the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is not found, the control unit 120 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 from the power saving mode to the normal mode to perform the image forming job using the image data. Control 160. In this case, the controller 120 may not wake up all of the components according to the received job command, and may only wake up a part of the components for performing the image forming job.

In addition, the controller 120 may check an operation waiting amount of another image forming apparatus in a normal mode and perform an image forming job. In detail, the controller 120 may receive information about a job waiting amount directly from another image forming apparatus or may receive information about a job waiting amount of another image forming apparatus through the host device 200. In this case, the information on the job waiting amount may be one of the number of jobs waiting for a job, the amount of print pages waiting for a job, and a job waiting time.

In particular, when the waiting amount of work of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is below the threshold level, the controller 120 may transmit image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. However, when the job waiting amount exceeds the threshold level, the control unit 120 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and performs the image forming job directly by using the image data ( 160 may be controlled.

In addition, when a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode are searched, the controller 120 may check a work waiting amount of each of the other image forming apparatuses. The controller 120 may control the interface unit 110 to select another image forming apparatus having a minimum work waiting amount among the plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode and transmit image data.

At this time, if all of the work waiting amounts of the plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode exceed the threshold level, the controller 120 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and uses the image data. The image forming unit 160 can be controlled to directly perform an image forming job.

In addition, the controller 120 searches for other image forming apparatuses that meet the preset conditions stored in the storage unit 130 among other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit 110, and searches for other image forming apparatuses. The interface unit 110 may be controlled to transmit image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a mode state.

In this case, the preset condition may include at least one of a user authentication state, user setting information, a device location, and a job performance capability. For example, when a user A is authenticated, the controller 120 may search for another image forming apparatus corresponding to the user A stored in the storage 130. In addition, the controller 120 may search only another image forming apparatus set by the user and stored in the storage 130. In addition, the controller 120 may search only other image forming apparatuses within a preset range based on the location information of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage 130. In addition, the controller 120 may search only the other image forming apparatus corresponding to the type of the input image forming job by using the job performing capability of the other image forming apparatus stored in the storage 130.

In addition, the controller 120 analyzes the information of the other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit 110 to search for other image forming apparatuses that meet the preset conditions, and to search the other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode state. The interface unit 100 may be controlled to transmit image data to another image forming apparatus that operates. In this case, the controller 120 may receive image data from the host apparatus 200, and then receive information about other image forming apparatuses from the host apparatus 200 or each of the other image forming apparatuses.

Here, the preset condition may include at least one of a warm-up state, consumable use information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time. For example, the controller 120 may analyze the information on the warm-up state of each component of the other image forming apparatus and search for another image forming apparatus in which the configuration corresponding to the image forming job requested by the user is warmed up. have. In addition, the control unit 120 analyzes the consumable usage information (for example, the amount of toner available) of the other image forming apparatus, and determines the amount of the image forming job (for example, the number of print request pages) requested by the user. It is possible to search for another image forming apparatus that can be accommodated. In addition, the controller 120 may receive information on the job waiting amount or the job expected processing time and search for another image forming apparatus having a job waiting amount or a job budget processing time of less than or equal to a predetermined value.

In addition, when the power saving mode is configured as a plurality of power saving modes, the controller 120 determines the type of power saving mode of the current image forming apparatus 100, and the power saving mode of the current image forming apparatus 100 is set to the preset power saving mode. If it is determined to be applicable, the interface unit may be controlled to search for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 100 through a network, and to transmit image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. Can be.

Specifically, the power saving mode may be divided into a plurality of modes according to the time when a signal for performing the image forming job is not input. In this case, the power saving mode may have different types of configurations to which power is applied among components for performing the image forming job, and values of standby power applied to the configuration for performing the image forming job may also be different. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may have a power saving mode in four steps as follows.

[First power saving mode]

If a signal for performing an image forming job is not input through the interface unit 110 for a first predetermined time in the normal mode, the image forming apparatus 100 may switch from the normal mode to the first power saving mode.

In the first power saving mode, the controller 120 lowers the operating frequency of the volatile memory in the storage unit 130 to the minimum operating frequency and lowers the operating frequency of the CPU in the controller 120 to the first operating frequency. For example, when the operating frequency of the volatile memory is 300MHz, the minimum operating frequency of the volatile memory may be 133MHz. Also, as an example, when the maximum operating frequency of the CPU is 600 MHz, the first operating frequency of the CPU may be 133 MHz.

Accordingly, power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the first power saving mode may be approximately 1.3 W to 1.4 W. FIG.

[Second power saving mode]

In the first power saving mode, when no external signal (for example, image data received from the host device 200) indicating to switch to the normal mode is input for a preset second time, the image forming apparatus 100 may remove the first signal. 1 Switch from the power saving mode to the second power saving mode.

In the second power save mode, the controller 120 performs a program jump to operate the CPU using information copied to the internal memory, and switches the volatile memory from the normal operation mode to the self refresh mode.

In this case, the volatile memory may maintain the self-refresh mode even if another external signal is received when the external unit 110 does not receive an external signal for switching the second power saving mode to the normal mode.

As a result, the CPU can access and operate a small internal memory, thereby further reducing power consumption. As a result, the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the second power saving mode may be approximately 0.9 W to 1 W.

[Third power saving mode]

In the second power saving mode, when no external signal for instructing to switch to the normal mode is input for a preset third time, the image forming apparatus 100 switches from the second power saving mode to the third power saving mode.

In the third power saving mode, the controller 120 may lower the operating frequency of the CPU to the minimum operating frequency and cut off power supplied to the function unit and the operation module for performing the image forming job. As an example, when the first operating frequency of the CPU is 133 MHz, the minimum operating frequency of the CPU may be 33 MHz.

Since the power supply of the functional unit and the operation module is turned off and the operating frequency of the CPU is lowered to the minimum operating frequency, power consumption can be further reduced than the second power saving mode. That is, power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the third power saving mode may be approximately 0.6 W to 0.7 W.

On the other hand, the power supply to the functional unit may be cut off in the second power saving mode. In the third power saving mode, the operating frequency of the interface unit 110 may be changed from 133 MHz to 33 MHz.

[4th power saving mode]

In the third power saving mode, when no external signal for instructing to switch to the normal mode is input for a preset fourth time, the image forming apparatus 100 switches from the third power saving mode to the fourth power saving mode.

In the fourth power saving mode, the controller 120 cuts off power supplied to the volatile memory.

Since the volatile memory is turned off, power consumption can be further reduced than in the third power saving mode. That is, the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the fourth power saving mode may be approximately 0.4 W to 0.5 W. Accordingly, the total power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the fourth power saving mode can be reduced much less than approximately 1 W. FIG.

Meanwhile, the above-described various operating frequency and power example values are merely examples, and may be variously changed according to the characteristics or number of each component and its own characteristics of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, it is not limited to the numerical values described herein.

In addition, although the image forming apparatus has been described as having a four-stage power saving mode as described above, this is only an embodiment, and an embodiment having a plurality of power-saving modes other than the four-step may also be applied to the present invention. At this time, the characteristics, the number, the operating frequency and the power value of the components operating in the plurality of power saving modes can be obviously designed by those skilled in the art.

When the image forming apparatus 100 has the power saving mode in four stages as described above, the control unit 120 is connected to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode only when the power saving mode corresponds to the third and fourth power saving modes. The interface unit can be controlled to transmit image data. When the power saving mode is the first power saving mode and the second power saving mode, the controller 120 may switch the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode and perform an image forming job using the image data. In the first power saving mode and the second power saving mode, even when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode, a large power consumption does not occur and the wake-up time is not long. In the case of the mode and the fourth power saving mode, it is because performing an image forming job using another image forming apparatus rather than switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 has a large gain in power consumption and wake up time.

Meanwhile, as described above, the operation of transmitting the image data to the other image forming apparatus which is the normal mode in the power saving mode is performed in the preset mode (for example, the external device transmission mode) during the power saving mode. Can only be operated when entered.

For example, when the external device transfer mode is entered through the UI displayed on the host apparatus 200 or the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 120 performs an image on the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode as described above. Data can be transferred. Alternatively, when the user sets to enter the preset mode at a specific time (eg, dawn time), the controller 120 may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode as described above only at a specific time. have.

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the controller 120 operates as one CPU, but this is only an example. The controller 120 operates in the normal mode and the sub-CPU operating in the power saving mode. It can be configured as. In this case, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving mode, the operation of transmitting image data to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode may be implemented by a sub CPU.

The storage unit 130 stores an operating system and various programs for performing the image forming job. In particular, the storage unit 130 may include a first memory operating in a normal mode and a second memory operating in a power saving mode.

The first memory may be implemented as a nonvolatile memory as a main memory used for a normal mode of operation. For example, DRAM (Dynamic RAM) may correspond to this, and may store a program, an application, and the like that can perform network communication in a normal mode.

The second memory may be used for the operation of the power saving mode which is driven at a lower power than the normal mode. For example, it stores programs and applications that can support power saving modes, and can be implemented as one of static RAM (SRAM) and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). In addition, RAMBus, DRAM, DDR -SDRAM or the like can be used.

In particular, the second memory stores network address information of the host device 200 and the other image forming apparatus to communicate with the external host apparatus 200 and the other image forming apparatus even in the power saving mode. In this case, the network address information may include information such as an IP address, a MAC address, and the like.

In addition, the second memory may be configured to search for another image forming apparatus to which image data is to be transmitted, and to provide information about an image forming apparatus that is available for each user, and an image forming apparatus set by a user to transmit image data in a power saving mode. Information, position information of the host apparatus and the other image forming apparatus, and information on the job performance capability of the other image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, the storage unit 130 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and Flash Memory used to store the code required for the normal mode implementation.

The image forming unit 160 performs an image forming job using the received image data. In particular, when the image forming apparatus 100 operates in the normal mode, when image data is received from the host apparatus 200, the image forming unit 160 performs an image forming job using the received image data.

When performing the image forming job using the image forming apparatus as described above, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode state from being woken up to the operation mode unnecessarily.

3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a host device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the host device 200 includes an input unit 210, a controller 220, and an interface unit 230.

The input unit 210 receives a user command for performing an image forming job. In this case, the input unit 210 may be implemented by various input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch screen.

The control unit 220 generates image data in accordance with the image formation job input through the input unit 210. In this case, the controller 220 may generate the generated image data in a format that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus 100.

In detail, the controller 220 may generate image data recognizable by the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the image forming job requested by the user is printing, the controller 220 may convert the document file into image data that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the image data may be printer language data such as PS (Postscript), PCL (Printer Control Language), or the like, and when the image forming apparatus 100 supports direct printing, the file itself such as PDF, XPS, BMP, JPG, etc. Can be.

In addition, the controller 220 includes software (specifically, a printer driver) for generating a job command so that the image forming apparatus 100 can recognize the software, and the software included in the controller 220 may be used to generate a job command. If the command is PJL, it may include a PJL generator (not shown). Of course, the command for generating a job command may be PCL, PS, etc., not PJL, and the controller 220 may generate a job command using a command generation unit corresponding to each.

The interface unit 230 communicates with an external image forming apparatus 100 or a server (not shown). In this case, the interface unit 230 may be implemented by a USB interface, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a Bluetooth, a router such as a hub (HUB), an internet network, or the like. In addition, the interface unit 230 may be implemented with at least one module to communicate with a plurality of external devices.

In particular, the interface unit 230 may transmit image data generated by the controller 220 to an external image forming apparatus 100 or a server (not shown).

4 is a flowchart illustrating a job performing method of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the image forming apparatus 100 receives image data for performing an image forming job (S410). In this case, the image data for performing the image forming job may be input from the external host device 100, but this is not possible in one embodiment, and the image data may be input by another method. For example, image data may be directly input to the image forming apparatus 100, and may be input through a separate server managing the image forming system 10.

When the image data is input, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode among the normal mode and the power saving mode (S420). At this time, the normal mode of the image forming apparatus 100 refers to a state in which at least a part of the configuration for performing the image forming job is woken up, and in the power saving mode of the image forming apparatus, the image forming job is not performed for a preset time, thereby forming an image. The configuration to perform the job is a waiting state.

When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode (S420-Y), the image forming apparatus 100 directly performs an image forming job using the input image data (S430).

However, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the power saving mode (S420-N), the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the image data to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode (S440).

Specifically, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is a power saving mode, when image data is input, the image forming apparatus 100 is another image which is a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Search for the forming device. When the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is found, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode, so that the other image forming apparatus 100 can perform the image forming job.

As described above, when a request for performing the image forming job is input to the image forming apparatus 100 in the power saving mode, the image for the power saving mode is transmitted by transmitting a request for performing the image forming job to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. It is possible to prevent the forming apparatus 100 from being unnecessarily switched to the normal mode, thereby preventing waste of power consumption.

6 to 14, various embodiments in which the image forming apparatus 100 in the power saving mode performs an image forming job will be described. In particular, the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 6 to 14 is an image forming system including one host device 200 and three image forming devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 as shown in FIG. 5. Can assume In addition, when a command for performing an image forming job is input to the host apparatus 200, the host apparatus 200 defaults to the first image forming apparatus 100 regardless of the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Assume that -1) the image data is transmitted. In addition, it may be assumed that the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 is a power saving mode.

6 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 is an embodiment in which the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined and the image data is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S610). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax transmission command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S615).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S620). In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information on a mode of another image forming apparatus.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S625 and S630).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Each transmission is performed (S635 and S640).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 by using the response message (S645). Specifically, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, so that the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is a power saving mode. The operating mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may be determined to be a normal mode.

When the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode (S650). .

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data according to the job command included in the image data (S655).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S660). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may inform the user of the image forming apparatus that has performed the image forming job.

7 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 is an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed by determining a work waiting amount of another image forming apparatus in a normal mode.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S710). When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S715).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S720). In this case, the status confirmation message may include not only a request for information about the mode of the other image forming apparatus, but also a request for information about the status (for example, the job waiting amount) of the other image forming apparatus.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S725). Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, in order to confirm the states of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the state confirmation message is broadcasted and described. However, in the implementation, the status confirmation message is transmitted to other image forming apparatuses in a multicasting or unicasting manner. Can transmit

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information and status information to the first image forming apparatus 100-. 1) respectively (S735, S740).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the waiting amount of work of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode by using the response message (S745). In detail, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 to determine an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. do. In addition, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that the operation mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is the normal mode, and the work waiting amount of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 which is the normal mode. Can be judged. In this case, the job waiting amount may be one of a print waiting page amount, a print waiting time, and a number of print waiting jobs.

When the job waiting amount of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 exceeds the preset value (S750-Y), the first image forming apparatus 100 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S755). . For example, when the number of print waiting pages of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 exceeds 100, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 waits for the work of the third image forming apparatus 100-3. It may be determined that the amount has exceeded a preset value.

In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may wake up only a part of the configuration depending on the type of job command included in the image data. For example, when a job command in which the type of the job command is printing is received in the image forming apparatus 100 having a plurality of functions, the first image forming apparatus 100 may wake up only the image forming unit for performing the printing job. Can be. This operation enables a faster wake up operation. Specifically, this is because the time for waking up only the functional configuration associated with the image forming job is shorter than the time for waking up all of the plurality of functional units.

Then, the first image forming apparatus 100 performs an image forming job using the image data (S760).

However, when the waiting amount of work of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is equal to or less than the preset value (S750-N), the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may convert the image data into the third image forming apparatus 100-3. (S765).

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data according to the job command (S770).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S775). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the third image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

8 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed by determining an operation waiting amount of other image forming apparatuses when there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S810). When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S815).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S820). In this case, the status confirmation message may include not only a request for information on the mode of the other image forming apparatus, but also a request for information about the state of the other image forming apparatus (for example, a job waiting amount).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S825).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information and status information to the first image forming apparatus 100-. 1) and transmit respectively to (S835, S840).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines a waiting amount of work of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 in the normal mode by using the response message (S845). In detail, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 to determine an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. do. The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that the operation modes of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 are normal modes, and the second image is the normal mode. The work waiting amounts of the forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 can be determined, respectively.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines an image forming apparatus having a small work waiting amount among the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 to perform an image forming job. The image forming apparatus to be used is decided. For example, when the number of print waiting pages of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is 20 and the number of printing waiting pages of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is 10, the first image forming apparatus 100- 1) may determine the third image forming apparatus 100-3 having a small number of print waiting pages as an image forming apparatus to perform an image forming job.

After determining the job waiting amounts of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 having a small job waiting amount. (S850).

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S855).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S860). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the third image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

On the other hand, when a plurality of other image forming apparatuses 100-2, 100-3 in the normal mode are searched, if all of the job waiting amounts of the plurality of other image forming apparatuses 100-2, 100-3 exceed a preset value, The image forming apparatus 100-1 may perform the image forming job by switching the operation mode to the normal mode.

9 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 9 searches for another image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition based on the information stored in the storage unit 130, and the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode among the found other image forming apparatuses performs an image forming job. Yes. Meanwhile, it is assumed that the fourth image forming apparatus 100-4 is added to the image forming system of FIG. 9.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S910). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax print command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S915).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 searches for an image forming apparatus that meets a preset condition (S920). In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may search for another image forming apparatus that meets a predetermined condition based on the information previously stored in the storage 130. Here, the preset condition may include at least one of a user authentication state, user setting information, a device location, and a job performance capability. For example, when the information about the image forming apparatus available to the user A is stored in the storage 130, when the image forming job command is input from the authenticated user A, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may display the image forming apparatus A-1. The image forming apparatus available to the user can be searched. As another example, when the image forming apparatus set by the user to store the image forming job is stored in the storage 130, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may search for the image forming apparatus set by the user. As another example, when the location information of another image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit 130, the storage unit 130 searches for another image forming apparatus within a predetermined distance from the host device 200 to which the image forming job command is input. can do. As another example, when the storage unit 130 includes information on a job performing capability of another image forming apparatus, when a specific image forming job (for example, a color printing job) command is input, the first image forming apparatus 100 is input. -1) can search for another image forming apparatus capable of performing a specific image forming job.

Then, the first image forming apparatus 100 generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of the other external image forming apparatus (S925). In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information on a mode of another image forming apparatus.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated state confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S930). In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits a status confirmation message to the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 found in step S925, and the other image forming apparatus 100-4 that is not detected in step S925. Do not send a status check message.

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Each transmission is performed (S940, S945).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 by using the response message (S950). Specifically, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, so that the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is a power saving mode. The operating mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may be determined to be a normal mode.

When the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode (S955). .

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S960).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S965). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the third image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 10 determines the states of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, searches for another image forming apparatus that satisfies a preset condition, and displays another image forming apparatus in the normal mode among the found other image forming apparatuses. This is an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed by using.

First, the host apparatus 200 receives an image forming job command (S1010). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax print command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S1015).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S1020). In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information about the mode of the other image forming apparatus and a request for information about the status of the other image forming apparatus.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S1025).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information and status information to the first image forming apparatus 100-. 1) respectively (S1035 and S1040).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes the information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 using the response message (S1045). In this case, the information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 may include at least one of warm-up state information, consumable use information, job waiting amount information, and job expected processing time information.

In operation S1050, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 searches for an image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition by using information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. In this case, the preset condition may be at least one of a warm-up state of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, consumable use information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time.

For example, the first image forming apparatus 100 may search for another image forming apparatus in which the configuration corresponding to the type of the input job command is warmed up among other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode. As another example, the first image forming apparatus 100 may search for another image forming apparatus in which the remaining amount of consumables is greater than or equal to a preset value among other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode. As another example, the first image forming apparatus 100 may search for another image forming apparatus in which one of the job waiting amount and the job expected processing time is less than.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the image data to the found other image forming apparatus S1050 (S1055). For example, when the type of the input job command is a scanning job, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may transmit image data to a second image forming apparatus in which the scanning unit wakes up among other image forming apparatuses in a normal mode. .

When the image data is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1060).

The second image forming apparatus 100-2 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S1065). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the second image forming apparatus 100-2 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the second image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

On the other hand, when there are a plurality of retrieved image forming apparatuses, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus having a minimum waiting workload among the plurality of other image forming apparatuses.

Further, even if there is an image forming apparatus in the normal mode, when no image forming apparatus matching the search condition exists, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the image An image forming job can be performed using the data.

11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 is an embodiment in which the image forming job is performed differently according to the type of the power saving mode when the power saving mode is composed of a plurality of modes.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1110). When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S1115).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the type of the power saving mode (S1120). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the power saving mode according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a power saving mode of four levels. In this case, the first to fourth power saving modes may be determined by a waiting time until a signal for performing an image forming job is input, and each mode may have a configuration in which power is applied and standby power consumption.

In particular, when the power saving mode corresponds to a preset power saving mode among the plurality of power saving modes, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 generates a status confirmation message for checking a state of another external image forming apparatus (S1125). For example, when the power saving mode of the first image device corresponds to the third power saving mode and the fourth power saving mode among the four power saving modes, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may generate a status confirmation message. . This is because when the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 corresponds to the third power saving mode and the fourth power saving mode, power consumption for switching to the normal mode is severe, so that other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100- This is to perform an image forming job using 3).

In operation S1130, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3.

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Respectively transmit (S1140, S1145).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 by using the response message (S1150). Specifically, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, so that the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is a power saving mode. The operating mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may be determined to be a normal mode.

When the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode (S1155). .

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1160).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S1165). By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the third image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

On the other hand, when the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 corresponds to the first power saving mode or the second power saving mode, when the image data is received from the host device 200, the first image forming apparatus 100- 1) changes the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and can perform an image forming job using the image data.

12 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 is an embodiment in which the image forming job is performed differently depending on whether the first image forming apparatus 100-1 enters a preset mode (eg, an external device transmission mode).

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1210). When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S1215).

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines whether the external device transmission mode has been entered. In this case, the external device transmission mode is a type of power saving mode. When image data is input from the host device 200, the external device transmission mode transmits image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among other external image forming apparatuses. Mode.

In particular, the external device transmission mode can be entered by various methods. For example, the external device transmission mode may be entered through the UI for entering the external device transmission mode. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may include a UI 1300 including the phrase “Do you want to print using another printer having a power saving model?” The host device 200. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may enter an external device transmission mode. As another example, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may enter the external device transmission mode only at a specific time zone (eg, at dawn). As another example, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may enter the external device transmission mode only when a specific kind of job command (eg, a black and white print command) is input.

When entering the external device transmission mode (S1220-Y), the first image forming apparatus 100-1 generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S1225).

Then, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S1230).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Respectively transmit (S1240, S1245).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 by using the response message (S1250). Specifically, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, so that the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is a power saving mode. The operating mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may be determined to be a normal mode.

When the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode (S1255). .

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1260).

In operation S1265, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200. By receiving the job performing message, the host apparatus 200 may confirm that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job, and may notify the user that the third image forming apparatus has performed the image forming job. have.

However, even in the power saving mode, when the external device transmission mode is not entered (S1220-N), the first image forming apparatus 100-1 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S1270).

In operation S1275, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 performs an image forming job using the input image data.

In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S1280). By receiving the job execution message, the host apparatus 200 may inform the user that the first image forming apparatus 100-1 performed the image forming job.

14 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 14 is an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed by determining whether another image forming apparatus can perform the input image forming job.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1410). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax transmission command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

In operation S1415, the host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1.

When the image data is received, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message for confirming the state of another external image forming apparatus (S1420). In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information on a mode of another image forming apparatus.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S1425).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 send a response message including their mode information to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. Each transmission is performed (S1435, S1440).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines whether the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 can perform the image forming job using the response message (S1445). For example, when the input image forming job is color printing, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may determine whether color printing of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 is possible using the response message. have. As another example, when the input image forming job is monochrome printing of 100 pages, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may output the monochrome printing of 100 pages by another image forming apparatus 100-2 or 100-3 using a response message. It is possible to determine whether this is possible.

According to the determination result, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S1450). Specifically, when there are no other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 capable of performing the input image shape job, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 switches the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode. can do.

In operation S1455, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 performs an image forming job using the image data.

In operation S1460, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200. By receiving the job execution message, the host apparatus 200 may inform the user that the first image forming apparatus 100-1 performed the image forming job.

On the other hand, when there is another image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming job, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may of course transmit image data to another image forming apparatus capable of performing the image forming job. . Further, when there is another image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming job, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 forms another image forming having a minimum work waiting amount among other image forming apparatuses capable of performing an image forming job. Image data can be transmitted to the device.

Meanwhile, in the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 broadcasts a status confirmation message to acquire mode information and state information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. However, this is only an example and may obtain mode information and state information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 in another manner. For example, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may acquire mode information and state information from other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, periodically or non-periodically, and receive a host for inputting image data. Mode information and status information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 may be obtained from the apparatus 200.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the host apparatus 200 performs an image forming job according to an operation mode of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. 15 is a flowchart for describing a method of performing, by the host apparatus 200, an image forming job according to an operation mode of the image forming apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1510). In this case, the image forming job may be one of various operations such as monochrome printing, color printing, scanning, faxing, and the like. The host apparatus 200 may generate image data corresponding to the image forming job so that the image forming apparatus is available.

In operation S1520, the host apparatus 200 determines an operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the host device 200 determines whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode among the normal mode and the power saving mode (S1530). In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a default image forming apparatus to which the host apparatus 200 preferentially transmits image data when an image forming job command is input to the host apparatus 200.

When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode (S1530-Y), the host apparatus 200 transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 100 (S1540). The image forming apparatus 100 may perform an image forming job using the image data.

However, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the power saving mode (1530-N), the host device 200 determines the operation mode of the other image forming apparatus (S1550). In this case, the host apparatus 200 may determine an operation mode of the other image forming apparatus by broadcasting a status confirmation message to the other image forming apparatus. However, this is only an example and may be performed by other methods. The mode can be determined. For example, the host device 200 may determine the operation mode of the other image forming apparatus by receiving a status message periodically or aperiodically from another image forming apparatus.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode among the other image forming apparatuses (S1560). Then, the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode can perform an image forming job using the image data.

As described above, when the default operation mode of the image forming apparatus of the host apparatus 200 is the power saving mode, the host apparatus 200 transmits an image forming job command to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode, thereby It is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from being unnecessarily switched to the operation mode.

16 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the host apparatus 200 performs an image forming job by determining an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 when the first image forming apparatus 100-1 is in a power saving mode. .

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1610). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax print command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S1615). In another embodiment, the host device 200 may transmit a status confirmation message for inquiring an operation mode instead of directly transmitting the generated image data.

In operation S1620, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and transmits a status message to the host device 200. In this case, the status message may include information indicating that its operation mode is a power saving mode.

The host apparatus 200 determines that the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 is in a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message S1625. In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information on a mode of another image forming apparatus.

The host device 200 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S1630).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 respectively transmit a response message including their mode information to the host apparatus 200 (S1640). , S1650).

The host device 200 determines the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 using the response message in operation S1655. In detail, the host device 200 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, so that the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is a power saving mode and the third image. It may be determined that an operation mode of the forming apparatus 100-3 is a normal mode.

If the modes of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 are determined, the host apparatus 200 transmits image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in the normal mode (S1660).

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1665).

In this case, since the host apparatus 200 directly transmits image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may not transmit a job performing message to the host apparatus 200. Can be.

On the other hand, when the job waiting amount of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 exceeds a preset value, the host apparatus 200 may transmit image data to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-can switch the operation mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and perform an image forming job using the transferred image data.

17 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of performing an image forming job according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 illustrates a work waiting amount of another image forming apparatus in which the host apparatus 200 operates in the normal mode when there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses operating in the normal mode among the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. It is an embodiment for judging and performing an image forming job.

First, the host device 200 receives an image forming job command (S1710). At this time, the image forming job command may be various image forming job commands such as a print command and a fax transmission command. When the image formation job command is input, the host apparatus 200 can generate image data according to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S1715).

In operation S1720, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and transmits a status message to the host device 200. In this case, the status message may include information indicating that its operation mode is a power saving mode.

The host apparatus 200 determines that the default first image forming apparatus 100-1 is in a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message S1725. In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information on a mode of another image forming apparatus.

The host device 200 broadcasts the generated status confirmation message to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S1730).

When the status confirmation message is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 respectively transmit response messages including their mode information to the host apparatus 200 (S1740). , S1745).

The host apparatus 200 determines a waiting amount of work of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 using the response message in operation S1750. In detail, the host device 200 analyzes response messages received from the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 to determine an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. The host apparatus 200 determines that the operation modes of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 are in a normal mode, and the second image forming apparatus 100-in a normal mode is determined. 2) and the work waiting amount of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 can be determined, respectively.

The host apparatus 200 determines an image forming apparatus having a small work waiting amount among the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 to serve as an image forming apparatus to perform an image forming job. Decide For example, when the print wait time of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is two minutes and the print wait time of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is five minutes, the host apparatus 200 prints a print waiting page. The second image forming apparatus 100-2 having a small number can be determined as the image forming apparatus to perform the image forming job.

After determining the job waiting amounts of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, the host apparatus 200 transmits the image data to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 having a small job waiting amount (S1755).

When the image data is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1760).

On the other hand, when a plurality of other image forming apparatuses 100-2, 100-3 in the normal mode are searched, if all of the job waiting amounts of the plurality of other image forming apparatuses 100-2, 100-3 exceed a preset value, the host apparatus The 200 may transmit image data to the first image forming apparatus 100-1. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may perform its image forming job by switching its operation mode to the normal mode.

18 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 18 illustrates an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed when the host apparatus 200 knows information about the image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 in advance.

First, the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 transmit status messages to the host apparatus 200. In this case, the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 may transmit a status message to the host device 200 periodically or aperiodically. Here, the status message includes mode information or status information of the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3.

The host apparatus 200 may use the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1 and 100- by using status messages transmitted from the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 and 100-3. 2,100-3) and mode information. In this case, the host device 200 may update the mode information and the status information of the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 according to a status message transmitted periodically or aperiodically. have.

The host apparatus 200 receives an image forming job command (S1825). When the image formation job command is input, the host device 200 generates image data corresponding to the image formation job command. In this case, the image data may be in a format available to the image forming apparatus.

In operation S1830, the host apparatus 200 determines a mode and a job waiting amount of the image forming apparatuses. In detail, the host apparatus 200 may include a first image based on mode information and state information of the first to third image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 stored in a storage unit (not shown). The forming apparatus 100-1 is in the power saving mode, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is in the normal mode, the number of pages waiting for printing is 10, and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is in the normal mode. In this case, it can be determined that the number of print waiting pages is 15.

The host apparatus 200 transmits image data to the second image forming apparatus 100-2, which is an image forming apparatus in which the operation mode is the normal mode among the image forming apparatuses and the work waiting amount is the minimum (S1835).

When the image data is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 performs an image forming job using the image data (S1840).

Meanwhile, in FIG. 18, a status message is periodically or aperiodically transmitted from the image forming apparatuses before receiving the image forming job command. However, this is only an example. A status message may be received by broadcasting a status confirmation message.

Meanwhile, in addition to the functions of the host apparatus 200 as described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18, the host apparatus 200 performs the same function as the first image forming apparatus 100-1 as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. can do. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the host apparatus 200 searches for an image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition by using information of the image forming apparatuses stored in the storage unit, and the normal mode among the found image forming apparatuses. Image data can be transferred to the in-image forming apparatus. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the host apparatus 200 searches for an image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition by analyzing the information of the image forming apparatuses, and displays an image on the image forming apparatus which is a normal mode among the found image forming apparatuses. Data can be transferred. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the host apparatus 200 determines the type of the power saving mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 and forms another image in the normal mode only when the host device 200 corresponds to the preset power saving mode. Image data can be transmitted to the device. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the host device 200 may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode only when entering the external device transmission mode.

Hereinafter, a method of performing an image forming job in an image forming system including a server will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. 19 is a diagram showing an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the image forming system 20 includes N image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, ..., 100-N, and M host apparatuses 200-1, 200-2, ... , 200-M) and server 400. In this case, the N image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N, the M host apparatuses 200-1, 200-2,. The server 400 may be connected through the networks 300-1 and 300-2.

Here, the networks 300-1 and 300-2 may be implemented by a router such as a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a hub, or an internet network.

The server 400 manages an image forming job of the image forming system 20. In particular, the server 400 may store an image forming apparatus management program.

In particular, the server 400 may search the image forming apparatus 100 and the host apparatus 200 to perform an image forming job. As a method for discovering the image forming apparatus 100 and the host apparatus 200, SLP (Service Location Protocol) using broadcasting, multicasting, multicast DNS, LDAP, IP scanning, Simple Network Management Protocol, Local Device Discover, A search method using a search list of another printer management program can be used.

In addition, the server 400 may receive image data corresponding to an image forming job from the host device 200 and transmit the image data to the specific image forming apparatus 100.

In detail, when the server 400 receives the image data from the host device 200, the server 400 may determine an operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 corresponding to the host device 200. In this case, the server 400 may determine an operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 through status messages received from image forming apparatuses periodically or aperiodically. Alternatively, when the image data is input, the server 400 broadcasts a status confirmation message to the image forming apparatuses, grasps the mode information of the image forming apparatuses included in the response message, and then displays the first image forming apparatus 100-1. The operation mode of may be determined.

As a result of the determination, when the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 is a power saving mode, the server 400 forms image data received from the host apparatus 200 as another image forming apparatus among other image forming apparatuses. Image data can be transmitted to the device.

20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server that performs an image forming job, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 20, the server 400 includes an interface unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430.

The interface unit 410 communicates with at least one host device 200-1, 200-2,..., 200 -M and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,. Function. In this case, the interface unit 410 may be implemented by a USB interface, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a Bluetooth, a router such as a hub (HUB), an internet network, or the like. In addition, the interface unit 410 may be implemented as at least one module to communicate with a plurality of external devices.

In particular, the interface unit 410 may receive image data from the host device 200, and transmit the received image data to one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N. Can be.

The storage unit 420 stores various data and programs for operating the server 400. In particular, the storage unit 420 may store information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N. In this case, the information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N is periodically or aperiodically provided by the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,. It can be obtained through a status message sent from.

Especially. The information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N is information on an operation mode of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2,. In addition, it may include operation state information such as a work waiting amount.

The controller 430 controls the overall operation of the server 400. In particular, when the image data is transmitted from the external host apparatus 200, the controller 430 determines an operation mode of the default image forming apparatus 100 of the host apparatus which has transmitted the image data.

When the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode, the controller 430 controls the interface unit 410 to transmit the received image data to the default image forming apparatus 100.

However, when the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus 100 is a power saving mode, the controller 430 operates the received image data in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses other than the default image forming apparatus 100. The interface unit 410 is controlled to transmit image data to the image forming apparatus. In this case, when there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses operating in the normal mode, the controller 430 may transmit image data to an image forming apparatus having a minimum work waiting amount among the plurality of other image forming apparatuses operating in the normal mode. .

The controller 430 may transmit information about the image forming apparatus that has performed the image forming job to the host device 200. As a result, the user can check in which apparatus the image forming job is performed through the host apparatus 200.

Through the server 400 as described above, unnecessary power-up of the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode is not unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent waste of power consumption.

Hereinafter, a method of performing an image forming job in an image forming system 20 including a server will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 through 23.

21 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 21 illustrates an embodiment in which an image forming job is performed by another image forming apparatus when the host apparatus 200 directly transmits image data to the server 400.

First, the server 400 receives a status message from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S2110, S2115, and S2120). At this time, the server 400 may receive the status message periodically or aperiodically. In addition, the status message includes the mode information and the status information of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3.

When a status message is received from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, the server 400 determines whether the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus ( Mode information and status information about 100-3) may be stored. At this time, when a status message is periodically received from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, the server 400 performs the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third. Mode information and state information for the image forming apparatus 100-3 may be periodically updated.

In operation S2125, the host apparatus 200 receives an image forming job command from the user. The host apparatus 200 then generates image data corresponding to the image formation job command.

In operation S2130, the host device 200 transmits the generated image data to the server 400.

The server 400 determines the operation mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 (S2135). In this case, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 may be a default image forming apparatus of the host apparatus 200.

When it is determined that the first image forming apparatus 100-1 is in the power saving mode, the server 400 determines an operation mode and a job waiting amount of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 (S2140). For example, the server 400 may normally operate the second image forming apparatus 100-2 through mode information and state information of the second and third image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. Mode, the number of print waiting pages is ten, the operation mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is the normal mode, and the number of printing waiting pages can be determined to be 25.

The server 400 transmits image data to the second image forming apparatus 100-2 in the qualitative mode among the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, and has a minimum work waiting amount (S2145).

When the image data is received, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 performs an image forming job using the image data (S2150).

When the image forming job is performed, the server 400 may transmit a job performing message including information on the second image forming apparatus 100-2 on which the image forming job is performed, to the host device 200 (S2155). . Thereby, the user can confirm through which host image the image forming job is performed in which image forming apparatus.

22 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 illustrates that when the host apparatus 200 transmits image data to the first image forming apparatus 100-1, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 uses the server 400 in another image forming apparatus. This is an embodiment for performing an image forming job.

First, the server 400 receives a status message from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S2205, S2210, S2215). At this time, the server 400 may receive the status message periodically or aperiodically. In addition, the status message includes the mode information and the status information of the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3.

When a status message is received from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, the server 400 determines whether the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus ( Mode information and status information about 100-3) may be stored. At this time, when a status message is periodically received from the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, the server 400 performs the first image forming apparatus 100-1 to the third. Mode information and state information for the image forming apparatus 100-3 may be periodically updated.

In operation S2220, the host apparatus 200 receives an image forming job command from the user. The host apparatus 200 then generates image data corresponding to the image formation job command.

In operation S2225, the host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the default first image forming apparatus 100-1.

In operation S2230, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is a power saving mode, and generates a status confirmation message. In this case, the status confirmation message may include a request for information about an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 and a request for information about a state of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3.

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits a status confirmation message to the server 400 (S2235).

The server 400 generates a status message by using the mode information and the status information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3, and stores the generated status message in the first image forming apparatus 100-1. It transmits to (S2240).

In operation S2245, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines the mode of the other image forming apparatus. Specifically, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 uses the mode information of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 included in the status message to operate the operation mode of the second image forming apparatus 100-2. Is a power saving mode, and it may be determined that the operation mode of the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is a normal mode.

Then, the first image forming apparatus 100-1 transmits the job data and the image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3 in which the operation mode is the normal mode (S2250).

When the job data and the image data are received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S2255).

The third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmits a job performing message to the host device 200 (S2260). By receiving the job execution message, the host device 200 may inform the user that the third image forming apparatus 100-3 has performed the image forming job. In another embodiment, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 may transmit a job performing message to the server 400.

Fig. 23 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method for performing an image forming job according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 illustrates that when the host apparatus 200 directly transmits image data to the server 400, the server broadcasts a status confirmation message to the other image forming apparatus to determine the mode of the other image forming apparatus, and the other mode in the normal mode. It is an embodiment for performing an image forming job in the image forming apparatus.

First, the host apparatus 200 receives an image forming job command from a user (S2310). The host apparatus 200 then generates image data corresponding to the image formation job command.

The host apparatus 200 transmits the generated image data to the server 400 managing the image forming system 20 (S2315).

The server 400 transmits the received image data to the first image forming apparatus 100-1 defaulted to the host apparatus 200 (S2320).

The first image forming apparatus 100-1 determines that its operation mode is the power saving mode, generates a status message including information indicating that the operation mode is the power saving mode, and generates the generated status message in the server 400. In step S2325, transmission is again performed.

The server 400 confirms that the first image forming apparatus 100-1 is in a power saving mode through a status message, and includes a status confirmation message that includes a request for information on an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3. To generate (S2330).

The server 400 broadcasts a status confirmation message to each of the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 (S2335).

In response to the status confirmation message, the second image forming apparatus 100-2 and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 transmit a response message including information about its operation mode to the server 400 ( S2345, S2350).

The server 400 determines an operation mode of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 using the response message (S2355). In detail, the server 400 determines that the second image forming apparatus 100-2 is in the power saving mode and the third image forming apparatus 100-3 is in the normal mode by using a response message including information on the operation mode. You can judge.

The server 400 transmits image data to the third image forming apparatus 100-3, which is an image forming apparatus in the normal mode, of the other image forming apparatuses 100-2 and 100-3 (S2360).

When the image data is received, the third image forming apparatus 100-3 performs an image forming job using the image data (S2365).

When the image forming job is performed, the server 400 transmits a job performing message including information on the second image forming apparatus 100-2 on which the image forming job is performed, to the host device 200 (S2370). Thereby, the user can confirm through which host image the image forming job is performed in which image forming apparatus.

Meanwhile, in addition to the functions of the server 400 described with reference to FIGS. 21 through 23, the server 400 may perform the same functions as the first image forming apparatus 100-1 described with reference to FIGS. 9 through 12. have. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the server 400 searches for an image forming apparatus that meets a preset condition by using information of image forming apparatuses pre-stored in a storage unit, and searches for a normal mode among the found image forming apparatuses. Image data can be transferred to the in-image forming apparatus. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the server 400 analyzes the information of the received image forming apparatuses, searches for an image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition, and searches the image forming apparatus in the normal mode among the found image forming apparatuses. Image data can be transferred. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the server 400 determines the type of the power saving mode of the first image forming apparatus 100-1, and the other image forming apparatus is in the normal mode only when it corresponds to the preset power saving mode. Image data can be transmitted with In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the server 400 may transmit image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode only when entering the external device transmission mode.

21 to 23 illustrate that the host device 200 is a desktop PC, this is only an example, and the host device 200 may be implemented as a portable device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC. . In particular, when the host device 200 is implemented as a portable device, the image forming system 20 may be implemented as a cloud printing system or a mobile printing system.

For example, when the portable device transmits the image forming job to the server over the air, the server determines the optimal image forming apparatus for performing the image forming job by the method described in Figs. 21 and 23, and determines the optimum image. An image forming job can be performed through the forming apparatus. In addition, the server transmits a job performing message including information on the image forming apparatus that performed the image forming job to the portable device, so that the user having the portable device can check in which image forming apparatus the image forming job has been performed. .

With the clouding printing system or the mobile printing system as described above, the user can perform the image forming job more easily and conveniently from the remote using the portable device.

24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus 100 including various components according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24 is an embodiment in which the control unit 120 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main CPU 123 and a sub CPU 125.

As shown in FIG. 24, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an interface unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, a user interface unit 140, a power supply unit 150, and an image forming unit ( 160 and a scanning unit 170. The configuration of FIG. 24 assumes a case of a multifunction apparatus performing at least two or more functions of a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function, and in the case of a simple printer, some components including the scanning unit 170 may be omitted. have. Further, not shown schemes such as a bus for exchanging data between components, a buffer for storing data temporarily, and the like may be further added.

The interface unit 110 may be connected to the external host apparatus 200 or another image forming apparatus in a network or locally to transmit and receive image data. That is, the interface unit 110 may be connected to the host device 200 by a local interface or may be connected to a plurality of external image forming apparatuses by wire or wirelessly with a network. The wireless communication standard may be used in IEEE 802.11 standard of the United States (American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), hyper LAN standard of Europe, MMAC-PC standard of Japan, and the like.

The user interface 140 is a part for receiving various selection commands from the user. The user interface unit 140 may include a display panel and at least one button. In this case, the display panel may be implemented as a touch screen. The user interface 140 may provide various UI screens, and the user may directly touch the UI screen or operate a button provided in the user interface 140 to input a selection command. The selection command may be a command for performing an image forming job or a command for setting various functions included in the image forming apparatus 100, setting a mode change, stopping operation, and resuming.

The power supply unit 150 supplies power to each component in the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming unit 160 may include a print engine controller 161 and a plurality of units 163-1 to 163-n acting on a print job. In the case of the laser printing method, the units 163-1 to 163-n may be composed of a paper feed unit, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper discharge unit, and the like. In the case of the inkjet printing method, the units 163-1 to 163-n may be composed of a paper feeding unit, an inkjet print head, an ink cartridge, a discharge unit, and the like. The print engine controller 161 controls each unit 163-1 to 163-n to perform printing according to the bitmap image provided from the control unit 120.

Meanwhile, when a scan command is input through the user interface unit 140, the controller 120 may control the scanning unit 170 to perform a scan operation.

The scanning unit 170 may include a scanner engine controller 171, a scanning motor unit 173, a scanning unit 175, and an image processing unit 177.

The scanner engine controller 171 communicates with the control unit 120 to control each component of the scanner unit 170 to perform a scan operation. In detail, when a scan command is transmitted from the controller 120, the scanner engine controller 171 drives the scanning unit 175 and the scan motor unit 173 to scan an object, and controls the image processor 177 to scan. Generate data.

The scan motor unit 173 moves the scanning unit 175 or the paper so that the scan of the entire object can be performed. In other words, the scan motor unit 173 has different media to be moved depending on whether the scanner is operated in a sheet feed or flatbed manner. For example, the scan motor unit 173 moves the paper in the case of the sheet fit scanner, and moves the scanning unit 175 in the case of the flatbed scanner. The scan motor unit 173 may be implemented as a carriage return motor.

The scanning unit 175 serves to scan the object. The scanning unit 175 may be configured of an image read sensor, a lens, and a light source, and a CCD or CIS image sensor is mainly used as the image read sensor. The image reading sensor may include a photoelectric conversion unit that absorbs reflected light of light emitted from a light source and irradiated to an object to generate charges, and a signal detection unit that detects and converts the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit into an electrical signal (not shown). ) May be included. The electrical signal converted by the signal detector is provided to the image processor 177.

The image processor 177 may shade, gamma correct, dot per inch (DPI) transform, edge emphasis, and error diffusion on the image data input from the scanning unit 175. ), And processing such as scaling to generate scanning data. In this case, the processing is appropriately considered in consideration of a predetermined resolution, scan mode, scan area, enlargement and reduction ratio, and the like.

The controller 120 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus according to data and commands of an external device connected through the interface unit 110, or a user selection command input through the user interface unit 140.

Specifically, when a print command is executed in a printer driver or application installed in the host device 200, the printer driver of the host device 200 generates image data obtained by converting the document into a predetermined printer language. The control unit 120 receives such image data through the interface unit 110. The control unit 120 converts the image data into a bitmap image composed of "0" and "1" using a halftone table, and then provides the image data to the image forming unit 160 to print on the paper. You can do that.

In particular, the controller 120 includes a main CPU 123 operating in a normal mode and a sub CPU 125 operating in a power saving mode. In detail, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the normal mode, the main CPU 123 may be activated to perform an image forming job using the image data received from the host apparatus 200. However, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the power saving mode, the main CPU 123 is deactivated, the sub CPU 125 is activated, and the sub CPU 125 uses the second memory 133 to operate. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 can be controlled. In particular, the operation of the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 23 may be performed by the sub CPU 125.

The storage unit 130 may store various types of information such as specifications of the image forming apparatus 100, a use state, print data, scan data, preprocessed data, print history information, and various application programs used in the image forming apparatus 100. And an operating system (O / S).

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the storage unit 130 may include a first memory 131 used in the normal mode, a second memory 133 and a third memory 135 used in the power saving mode. . The first memory 131 may be implemented as a nonvolatile memory as a main memory used for a normal mode of operation. For example, DRAM (Dynamic RAM) may correspond to this, and may store a program, an application, and the like that can perform network communication in a normal mode. The second memory 133 may be used for the operation of the power saving mode that is driven at a lower power than the normal mode. For example, it stores programs and applications that can support power saving modes, and can be implemented as one of static RAM (SRAM) and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). In addition, RAMBus, DRAM, DDR -SDRAM or the like can be used. The third memory 135 may be used to store codes required for normal mode implementation, and may store various data. The third memory 135 may be implemented as at least one of a read only memory (ROM) and a flash memory.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second memory 133 may communicate with the external host device 200 and the other image forming apparatus even in a power saving mode. Network address information can be stored.

In addition, the second memory 133 may be configured to search for another image forming apparatus to which image data is to be transferred. Information about an image forming apparatus that is available for each user may be set. Information about the apparatus, location information of the host apparatus and the other image forming apparatus, and information about the job performing capability of the other image forming apparatus can be stored.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 24, the first to third memories 131, 133, and 135 are shown as one, but the number and size may be variously designed to suit the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 100.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method of displaying a power state of each component of an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29.

25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the image forming apparatus 2500 may include a control unit 2510, a display unit 2520, a power control switch unit 2530, a power supply unit 2540, a function unit 2550, and a power state detection unit ( 2560).

The controller 2510 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 2500. In particular, the controller 2510 generates a power control signal to supply power to the plurality of functional units 2551-1, 2551-2, ... 2551-N that perform the image forming job, thereby supplying the power supply 2540 and the power supply. Transfer to control switch unit 2530.

In particular, when the user's image forming job command is input, the control unit 2510 generates a power control signal to supply power to the function unit 2550 corresponding to the image forming job, and thus, the power supply unit 2540 and the power control switch unit. (2530). For example, when a printing job command is input, the controller 2510 may include a function unit for performing a printing job among the plurality of function units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N (for example, The power supply control signal can be generated to supply power to the paper feeder, discharge unit, fusing unit, and the like.

In addition, if a user's image forming job command is not input to the image forming apparatus 2500 for a preset time, the controller 2510 generates a power control signal to cut off power to the function unit 2550, and thereby the power supply unit 2540. And the power control switch 2530. At this time, the control unit 2510 may not only cut off the power of all the functional units among the plurality of functional units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N, but also cut off the power of only some of the functional units.

In addition, when an error occurs in a specific part of the function unit 2550, the controller 2510 generates a power control signal to cut off power supply to the function unit in which the error occurs, and thus, the power supply unit 2540 and the power control switch unit 2530. ) Can be delivered. For example, in order to perform a printing job, in a deposition unit requiring high temperature and high pressure, when a temperature higher than a reference temperature is detected, the controller 2510 determines that an error has occurred in the deposition unit, and power is supplied to the deposition unit. The power control signal may be generated to be transmitted to the power supply unit 2540 and the power control switch unit 2530 so as not to be generated.

In addition, the control unit 2510 detects a power state of the function unit 2550 through the power state detection unit 2560, and provides a function to each of the plurality of function units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N. The power supply state of the plurality of functional units may be displayed on the display unit 2520.

The display 2520 displays information about an operating state and a setting state of the image forming apparatus 2500.

In particular, the display 2520 may provide, as a UI, power state information for each of the plurality of functional units 2551-1, 2551-2,... 255 -N under the control of the controller 2510. In this case, the display 2520 may provide power state information for all or some of the functional units among the plurality of functional units 2551-1, 2551-2,... For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the display unit 2520 may include a specific function unit (for example, a scan unit) among the plurality of function units 2551-1, 2551-2, ... 2551-N. A textual UI may be provided to inform the user that power is not supplied. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27, the display 2520 may provide a UI in a text form to supply power to all of the plurality of function units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N. Can be. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the display 2520 may provide a power supply state through a UI that schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 2500 that is not in text form. In this case, the display unit 2520 may display a function unit to which power is supplied differently from another function unit. For example, the display unit 2520 may display a color of a function unit to which power is supplied in a different color, or display the function unit to blink. have.

In addition, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 2500, the display 2520 may provide information about the functional unit in which the error occurs, information on the error, and the power supply state of the functional unit in which the error occurs to the UI. . For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the display 2520 displays a UI including a guide message, "Paper is jammed in the paper feeder. The power is cut off from the paper feeder. Please remove the paper." Can be.

The power control switch unit 2530 switches the power so that power is supplied to at least some of the plurality of functional units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N according to a power control signal provided from the controller 2510. Do this. In this case, the power control switch unit 2530 may use a power switch element, but this is only an embodiment and may use another switching element.

The power supply unit 2540 supplies power to each of the functional units in the image forming apparatus 2500. Specifically, the power supply 2540 receives a commercial AC power from the outside (AC_IN), using a device such as a transformer (transformer), an inverter (inverter), a rectifier, etc., DC power supply of the potential level suitable for each component Can be converted to output (DC_OUT).

The function unit 2550 performs an image forming job according to a command of the control unit 2510. In particular, the function unit 2550 uses a plurality of function units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N to perform various image forming jobs such as printing jobs, copy jobs, fax jobs, scan jobs, and the like. Include. For example, to perform a printing job, the function unit 2550 may include a paper feeder, a pickup, a transporter, a developer, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper discharge unit, and an exposure unit.

The power state detection unit 2560 detects a power state of each of the plurality of functional units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N, and detects power state information of the detected function unit 2550. To the controller 2510.

In this case, the power state detection unit 2560 may be implemented as a sensor for detecting the on / off of the power, but this is only an example, and the control unit 2510 again controls the power supplied to each functional unit 2550. It can be implemented as a circuit including a level shift (level shift) to match the voltage level of.

As described above, by providing the power state and error state for the plurality of functional units 2551-1,2551-2, ... 2551-N of the image forming apparatus 2500 to the UI, the user is safe and efficient. Thus, the image forming apparatus 2500 can be used.

Program code for performing a job execution method according to various embodiments as described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. A non-transitory readable medium is a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, memory, etc., but semi-permanently stores data and is readable by the apparatus. In particular, the various applications or programs described above may be stored on non-volatile readable media such as CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, ROM,

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

110: interface unit 120: control unit
123: main CPU 125: sub CPU
130: storage unit 131: first memory
133: second memory 135: third memory
140: user interface unit 150: power supply unit
160: image forming unit 161: print engine controller
163: unit 170: scanning unit
171: scanner engine controller 173: scan motor unit
175: scanning unit 177: image processing unit

Claims (25)

In the image forming apparatus,
A storage unit;
An interface unit connected to the host device and at least one other image forming apparatus;
An image forming unit which prints image data received through the interface unit; And
When the image data is input from the host apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in the normal mode, the image forming unit is controlled to perform an image forming job using the image data, and when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, the image forming unit is controlled from the host apparatus. And a controller configured to control the interface unit to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode so that the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode may perform an image forming job when the image data is input. . The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, when the image data is input from the host device, information of other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit is analyzed to search for other image forming apparatuses that meet predetermined conditions. And the interface unit is controlled to transmit the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among the found other image forming apparatuses. 3. The method of claim 2,
The condition is
And at least one of a warm-up state, consumable use information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time. The method of claim 3,
The control unit,
Checking the work waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode and controlling the interface unit to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode when the work waiting amount is equal to or less than a threshold level;
And when the job waiting amount exceeds a threshold level, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the image forming job is performed using the image data. The method of claim 3,
The control unit,
When the image data is input from the host device when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode state is searched among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network.
When a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode are found, the operation waiting amount of each of the other image forming apparatuses is checked, and the interface unit is controlled to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus having the minimum working waiting amount. An image forming apparatus. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit,
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, when the image data is input, other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode are searched among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus through a network.
And when the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is not found, the image forming apparatus is used to perform the image forming job using the image data by switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus from the power saving mode to the normal mode. . The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, when the image data is input to the host device, among the other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit, other image forming apparatuses matching the preset condition stored in the storage unit are searched. Controlling the interface unit to transmit the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among the searched other image forming apparatuses,
And said condition comprises at least one of a user authentication status, user setting information, device location, and job performance capability. The method of claim 1,
If the power saving mode is configured with a plurality of power saving modes,
The control unit,
The image forming apparatus determines the type of power saving mode of the image forming apparatus when the image data is input in the power saving mode state, and determines that the power saving mode of the current image forming apparatus corresponds to a preset power saving mode. An image forming apparatus which searches for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected through a network with the forming apparatus, and controls the interface unit to transmit the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. Device. The method of claim 1,
The image forming apparatus transmitting the image data from the power saving mode to another image forming apparatus which is a normal mode operates only when entering a preset mode among the power saving modes; The method of claim 1,
Wherein,
A first memory and a second memory,
The control unit,
And a main CPU operating in a normal mode using the first memory and a sub CPU operating in a power saving mode using the second memory. The method of claim 1,
A plurality of functional units for performing an image forming job;
A power state detecting unit detecting a power supply state of the plurality of functional units; And
And a display unit,
The control unit,
And determining the power supply state to the plurality of functional units through the power state detection unit, and controlling the display unit to generate and display a UI for guiding the determined power supply state. In the job performing method of the image forming apparatus,
Receiving image data for performing an image forming job;
A first performing step of performing an image forming job using the image data when the image forming apparatus is in a normal mode; And
If the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode, performing a image forming job by transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among at least one other image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus; How to do a job. The method of claim 12,
The second performing step,
Analyzing the information of other image forming apparatuses connected through the interface unit when the image forming apparatus is input in the power saving mode;
Searching for other image forming apparatuses that meet predetermined conditions according to the analysis result;
And transmitting the image data from among the other image forming apparatuses searched to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode state. 14. The method of claim 13,
The condition is
And at least one of a warm-up state, consumable usage information, a job waiting amount, and a job expected processing time. 15. The method of claim 14,
The second performing step,
When the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is found, checking a work waiting amount of the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode; And
If the job waiting amount is less than or equal to the threshold level, the image data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus in the normal mode. If the job waiting amount is greater than the threshold level, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Switching, and performing the image forming job by using the image data. 15. The method of claim 14,
The second performing step,
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, searching for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected through the network with the image forming apparatus;
If a plurality of other image forming apparatuses in the normal mode are found, checking a work waiting amount of each of the other image forming apparatuses; And
Selecting another image forming apparatus of which the job waiting amount is minimum and transmitting the image data. 14. The method of claim 13,
The second performing step,
Searching for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus through a network; And
If the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode is not detected, switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and performing the image forming job using the image data; A job performing method characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 12,
The second performing step,
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, searching for other image forming apparatuses that meet predetermined conditions stored in the storage unit among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus;
Transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode state among the searched other image forming apparatuses,
And the condition includes at least one of a user authentication state, user setting information, a device location, and a job performance capability. The method of claim 12,
If the power saving mode is configured with a plurality of power saving modes,
The second performing step,
Determining, by the image forming apparatus, a type of power saving mode of the image forming apparatus when the image data is input in the power saving mode state;
If it is determined that the power saving mode of the current image forming apparatus corresponds to a preset power saving mode, searching for another image forming apparatus in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus; And
And transmitting the image data to the other image forming apparatus in the normal mode. The method of claim 12,
The second performing step,
And operating only when a preset power saving mode is entered among power saving modes of the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 12,
The first performing step,
When performed by the main CPU operating using the first memory,
The second performing step,
The job execution method, characterized in that performed by the sub-CPU operating using the second memory. In the host device,
An interface unit connected to the image forming apparatus operating in one of a normal mode and a power saving mode;
An input unit for receiving a job execution command; And
When the job execution command is input, the mode of the image forming apparatus is checked to transmit image data to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is operating in the normal mode, and the image forming apparatus is operating in the power saving mode. And a control unit which transmits the image data to another image forming apparatus operating in the surface normal mode. In the job performing method of the host device which is connected to the image forming apparatus to operate,
Receiving image data for performing an image forming job;
When the image forming apparatus is operating in a normal mode, transmitting the image data to the image forming apparatus; And
When the image forming apparatus is operating in a power saving mode, searching for another image forming apparatus operating in a normal mode among other image forming apparatuses connected to the host device, and transmitting the image data to another image forming apparatus in a normal mode. How to perform a job comprising a. A server that performs an image forming job,
An interface unit connected to the at least one image forming apparatus and the host device;
A storage unit which stores state information of the at least one image forming apparatus; And
When image data for performing an image forming job is input from the host apparatus, the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus of the host apparatus is determined based on the state information stored in the storage unit, and the operation of the default image forming apparatus is performed. When the mode is the normal mode, the image data is transmitted to the default image forming apparatus. When the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the image data is transmitted to another image apparatus operating in the normal mode. And a controller for controlling the interface unit to control the interface unit. In the job performing method of the server performing the image forming job,
Receiving image data for performing an image forming job from a host device;
Determining an operation mode of a default image forming apparatus of the host apparatus; And
The image data is transmitted to the default image forming apparatus when the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the normal mode, and operates in the normal mode when the operation mode of the default image forming apparatus is the power saving mode. And transmitting the image data to an image device.

Images